Headstone Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to the field of headstones. More specifically, the present invention relates to a headstone device primarily comprised of a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a flat bottom surface, at least one solar panel, a battery, a processor, a transmitter, at least one LED and a mobile application. The display and speaker can further be used to display any image, video or song that is selected via the mobile application. The LED illuminates the device and the mobile application allows a user to view a virtual representation of the device on a smart device or computer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/212,866, which was filed on Jun. 21, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of headstones. More specifically, the present invention relates to a headstone device primarily comprised of a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a flat bottom surface, at least one solar panel, a battery, a processor, a transmitter, at least one LED and a mobile application. The display and speaker can further be used to display any image, video or song that is selected via the mobile application. In addition, the mobile application allows a user to view a virtual representation of the device on a smart device or computer. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Headstones or tombstones are regularly used to mark the graves of individuals who have passed away. Because headstones and tombstones are located outdoors in cemeteries, they are subjected to the elements and forms of precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, hail, wind, etc., as well as dirt and dust. Over time, precipitation may erode, tarnish and obscure a headstone such that any designs, words or markings on the headstone become obscured. This is undesirable for family members of the deceased individual, as they must then regularly clean the headstone. In addition, existing headstones known in the art can only display indicia that has been carved into the stone material of the headstone itself. In this regard, an individual is limited in the types of indicia he or she can display on a headstone. In addition, headstones are not typically illuminated at night. In this respect, an individual who wishes to visit a grave at night can not often do so.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved headstone. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a headstone device that allows a user to display any form of indicia, image or video desired. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a headstone device that illuminates the headstone at night.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a headstone device. The device is primarily comprised of a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a flat bottom surface, at least one solar panel, a battery, a processor, a transmitter, at least one LED and a mobile application. The display and speaker can further be used to display any image, video, or song that is selected via the mobile application. The LED further illuminates the device, wherein the solar panel provides power to the battery, such that the battery can power the LED, the display and the speaker. In addition, the mobile application allows a user to view a virtual representation of the device on a smart device or computer.

Furthermore, the headstone device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides an improved headstone. The headstone device allows a user to display any form of indicia, image or video desired. In addition, the headstone device illuminates the headstone at night. In this manner, the headstone device overcomes the limitations of existing headstones known in the art.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a headstone device primarily comprised of a body and further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a flat bottom surface, at least one solar panel, a battery, a processor, a transmitter, at least one LED and a mobile application. In differing embodiments, the shape of the body may be any conventional headstone shape and size known in the art, and the body may be made from conventional rock headstone materials or stainless steel/aluminum.

The front surface and/or rear surface is further comprised of at least one display screen that may be recessed or raised outwards from the top surface or rear surface. The display screen may be any screen-type known in the art and may have a protective, transparent, impact-resistant cover. The screen further displays any number of images, videos, and/or other text/indicia related to the deceased individual. The screen may also have at least one speaker, or the speaker may be located separately on any surface.

Further, any surface of the body may also be comprised of at least one LED that illuminates any surface of the device and/or the surrounding area. The at least one LED, the display screen, and the speaker may further be activated by at least one motion sensor located on any surface of the body, such that the display screen begins displaying content, the speaker begins playing music or a song and the LED illuminates when a user approaches the device. Any surface of the body may further be comprised of indicia in the form of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, names, life/death dates, etc., that may be engraved, embossed or raised from any surface.

In differing embodiments, any surface of the body, but preferably the top surface and side surfaces, are comprised of at least one solar panel that further powers an internal battery located within the body or is removably or fixedly-attached to any surface of the body. The internal battery may be recharged using a USB port, wherein the USB port is a USB-A, USB-B, Micro-B, Micro-USB, Mini-USB, USB-C port, etc. The battery further provides power to the LED, the display, a processor and a transmitter.

The transmitter further allows a user to control the display, LED, solar panel and speaker via a mobile application that is in electrical communication with the transmitter via a means, such as but not limited to: Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, RFID, etc. The mobile application allows a user to view a virtual representation of the device, upload or download files in the form of text, images, videos, songs, etc., that can be displayed and played via the display and the speaker. The mobile application also allows a user to program the LED, such that the LED may illuminate during certain time periods or hours of the day, and also program the solar panel, such that the panel is only active during certain time periods or hours of the day. It should be appreciated that the mobile application can also be used by a user prior to his or her death, such that the user can upload his or her own files and configure the device as desired. Further, any change made to the device via the application is performed via the processor that is in electrical communication with the transmitter, display, LED, speaker and the solar panel.

Accordingly, the headstone device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved headstone. The headstone device allows a user to display any form of indicia, image, or video desired. In addition, the headstone device illuminates the headstone at night. In this manner, the headstone device overcomes the limitations of existing headstones known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the headstone device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the headstone device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a back perspective view of one potential embodiment of the headstone device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical view of one potential embodiment of the mobile application of the headstone device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved headstone that overcomes the limitations of existing headstones known in the art. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a headstone device that allows a user to display any form of indicia, image or video desired. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a headstone device that illuminates the headstone at night.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a headstone device. The device is primarily comprised of a body that is further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a flat bottom surface, at least one solar panel, a battery, a processor, a transmitter, at least one LED and a mobile application. In differing embodiments, the shape of the body may be any conventional headstone shape and size known in the art, and the body may be made from conventional rock headstone materials or stainless steel or aluminum.

The front surface and/or rear surface is further comprised of at least one display screen, wherein the screen may be recessed or raised from the top surface or the rear surface. The display screen may be any screen-type known in the art and may have a protective, transparent, impact-resistant cover. In addition, the display screen displays any number of images, videos, or other text/indicia related to the deceased individual. The display screen may also have at least one speaker. Alternatively, the speaker may be located separately on any surface of the body. Any surface of the body may also be comprised of at least one LED that illuminates the device and any surface of the body, wherein the at least one LED, the display screen, and the speaker may further be activated by at least one motion sensor located on any surface, such that the display screen begins displaying, the speaker begins playing music or a song, and the LED illuminates when a user approaches the device. Any surface may further be comprised of indicia in the form of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, names, and/or life/death dates, etc., that may be engraved, embossed or raised from the surface.

Any surface of the body, but preferably the top surface and side surfaces, are further comprised of at least one solar panel that powers an internal battery located within the body or is removably or fixedly attached to any surface of the body. The battery may be rechargeable and could be recharged using a USB port, wherein the USB port is a USB-A, USB-B, Micro-B, Micro-USB, Mini-USB, or USB-C port, etc. The battery further provides power to the LED, the display, a processor and a transmitter. The transmitter further allows a user to control the display, LED, solar panel, and speaker via a mobile application that is in electrical communication with the transmitter via a means, such as but not limited to: Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, RFID, etc. The mobile application allows a user to view a virtual representation of the device, upload or download files in the form of text, images, videos, songs, etc., that can be displayed and played via the display and the speaker, program the LED such that the LED may illuminate during certain time periods or hours of the day, and program the solar panel such that the panel is only active during certain time periods or hours of the day. It should be appreciated that the mobile application can also be used by a user prior to their death, such that the user can upload their own files and configure the device as they desire. Further, any changes made to the device via the application is performed via the processor that is in electrical communication with the transmitter, display, LED, speaker and solar panel.

Accordingly, the headstone device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved headstone. The headstone device allows a user to display any form of indicia, image or video desired. In addition, the headstone device illuminates the headstone at night. In this manner, the headstone device overcomes the limitations of existing headstones known in the art.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the headstone device 100 of the present invention. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a body 110 that is further comprised of a front surface 120, a rear surface 130, a top surface 140, a flat bottom surface 150, at least one solar panel 164, a battery 170, a processor 172, a transmitter 174, at least one LED 190 and a mobile application 200. In differing embodiments, the shape of the body 110 may be any conventional headstone shape and size as is known in the art. In addition, the body 110 may be made from conventional rock headstone materials, such as but not limited to: marble, slate, granite, gabbro, sandstone, etc., or any other suitable rock material as is known in the art. Additionally, the body 110 may be manufactured from a durable metal, such as but not limited to, stainless steel or aluminum, etc.

The front surface 120 and/or rear surface 130 are further comprised of at least one display screen 122. The display screen 122 may be recessed or raised from the top surface 120 or rear surface 130 and can be any suitable display screen as is known in the art, such as but not limited to: a touch screen, an LCD screen, an OLED screen, an ELD screen, an LED backlit LCD screen, an LED screen, a PDP screen, etc., that may or may not have a protective, transparent impact-resistant cover 124. The display screen 122 can further display any number of images, videos or other text/indicia related to the deceased individual and/or memories of the individual. The screen 122 may also comprise at least one speaker 194. Alternatively, the speaker 194 may be located separately on any surface 120, 130, 140, 160. The front surface 120, rear surface 130, top surface 140, and side surfaces 160 may also be comprised of at least one LED 190 that illuminates the device 100 and any surface 120, 130, 140, 160. The at least one LED 190, the display screen 122 and the speaker 194 may further be activated by at least one motion sensor 126 located on any surface 120, 130, 140, 160, such that the display screen 122 begins displaying, the speaker 194 begins playing music or a song, and the LED 190 illuminates, when a user approaches the device 100.

Any surface 120, 130, 140, 160 may further be comprised of a plurality of indicia 192 in the form of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, names, life/death dates, etc., that may be engraved, embossed or raised from the surface 120, 130, 140, 160. The device 100 may also be comprised of at least one fixedly or removably-attached flower vase 162 that can be used to display flowers 10. The vase 162 may further be comprised of the same material as the body 110 and may be comprised of all features of the body 110 and device 100 described supra.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate a side perspective view and a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the headstone device 100 of the present invention. In differing embodiments any surface 120, 130, 140, 160 of the body 110, but preferably the top surface 140 and/or side surfaces 160, are comprised of at least one solar panel 164. The solar panel 164 may be comprised of, but not limited to: monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or a thin-film comprised of any number of photovoltaic cells. The solar panel 164 further powers and is in electrical communication with an internal battery 170 that is located within the body 110 or is removably or fixedly-attached to any surface 120, 130, 140, 160 of the body 110. The battery 170 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery in the form of an alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride battery, etc., such as any 3V-12 volts DC battery or other conventional battery, such as A, AA, AAA, etc., that supply power to the device 100. Throughout this specification the term “battery” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing the battery 170 may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries of cells or a package of multiple battery cells as is appropriate for any given battery technology that may be used. In addition, a rechargeable embodiment of the battery 170 may be recharged using a USB port 176, wherein the USB port 176 is a USB-A, USB-B, Micro-B, Micro-USB, Mini-USB, or USB-C port. The battery 170 further provides power to the LED 190, the display 122, and a processor 172 and a transmitter 174. The transmitter 174 further allows a user to control the display 122, LED 190, solar panel 164, and speaker 194 via a mobile application 200.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the mobile application 200 can be used on any smart device or computer known in the art. The mobile application 200 is in electrical communication with the transmitter 174 via a means such as, but not limited to: Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, RFID, etc. The mobile application 200 also has a plurality of features. One feature allows a user to view a virtual representation 202 of the device 100. The application 200 also allows a user to upload or download a plurality of files 204 in the form of text, images, videos, songs, etc., that can be displayed and played via the display 122 and/or played via the speaker 194. In addition, the application 200 allows a user to program the LED 206, such that the LED 190 may illuminate during certain time periods or hours of the day. Similarly, a user can program the solar panel 208 of the device 100, such that the panel 164 is only active during certain time periods or hours of the day. It should be appreciated that the mobile application 200 can also be used by a user prior to his or her death, such that the user can upload his or her own files and configure the device 100 as desired. Further, any change made to the device 100 via the application 200 is performed via the processor 172 that is in electrical communication with the transmitter 174, display 122, LED 190, speaker 194 and solar panel 164. To allow for a user to upload files to the processor 172 in a manual fashion, any surface 120, 130, 140, 160 of the body 110 may be comprised of a continuous opening/slot 182 that allows a user to insert an SD card or memory card 180 in the processor 172, wherein the memory card 180 is full of text, images, videos, songs, etc., that can be displayed and played via the display 122 and/or the speaker 194.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “headstone device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the headstone device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the headstone device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the headstone device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the headstone device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the headstone device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the headstone device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A headstone device comprising: a body comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a pair of side surfaces; at least one display screen positioned on the body and displaying a plurality of images, videos, and texts related to a deceased user; at least one speaker positioned on the at least one display screen for playing music; at least one solar panel which powers and is in electrical communication with an internal battery; at least one LED to illuminate the body, wherein the internal battery provides power to the at least one LED, the at least one display screen, a processor, and a transmitter, and further wherein the processor is in electrical communication with the transmitter, the at least one display screen, the at least one LED, the at least one speaker, and the at least one solar panel; at least one motion sensor positioned on the body which activates the at least one LED, the at least one display screen, and the at least one speaker; and a mobile application which is in electrical communication with the transmitter.
 2. The headstone device of claim 1, wherein the at least one display screen, the at least one speaker, and the at least one LED can be configured using the mobile application.
 3. The headstone device of claim 1, further comprising at least one flower vase secured to the body.
 4. The headstone device of claim 1, wherein when the at least one motion sensor is activated, the display screen begins displaying, the at least one speaker begin playing music, and the at least one LED illuminates.
 5. The headstone device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a plurality of indicia.
 6. The headstone device of claim 1, wherein the internal battery can be recharged using a USB port positioned on the body.
 7. The headstone device of claim 1, wherein the transmitter allows a user to control the at least one display screen, at least one LED, at least one solar panel, and at least one speaker via the mobile application.
 8. The headstone device of claim 1, wherein any changes made to the headstone device via the mobile application are performed via the processor.
 9. The headstone device of claim 8, wherein the body comprises a continuous opening that allows a user to insert a memory card in the processor.
 10. The headstone device of claim 9, wherein the memory card comprises a plurality of text, images, videos, and songs that can be displayed on the display screen and played via the at least one speaker.
 11. A headstone device comprising: a body comprising a plurality of indicia, a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces; at least one display screen positioned on the front surface or the rear surface and displaying a plurality of images, videos, and texts related to a deceased user; at least one speaker positioned on the at least one display screen for playing music; at least one solar panel which powers and is in electrical communication with an internal battery; at least one LED to illuminate the body, wherein the internal battery provides power to the at least one LED, the at least one display screen, a processor, and a transmitter, and further wherein the processor is in electrical communication with the transmitter, the at least one display screen, the at least one LED, the at least one speaker, and the at least one solar panel; at least one motion sensor positioned on the body which activates the at least one LED, the at least one display screen, and the at least one speaker, wherein when the at least one motion sensor is activated, the display screen begins displaying, the at least one speaker begin playing music, and the at least one LED illuminates; a mobile application which is in electrical communication with the transmitter; and at least one flower vase that is fixedly or removably attached to the body.
 12. The headstone device of claim 11, wherein the at least one display screen, the at least one speaker, and the at least one LED can be configured using the mobile application.
 13. The headstone device of claim 11, wherein the internal battery can be recharged using a USB port positioned on the body.
 14. The headstone device of claim 11, wherein the transmitter allows a user to control the at least one display screen, at least one LED, at least one solar panel, and at least one speaker via the mobile application.
 15. A headstone device comprising: a body comprising a plurality of indicia, a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a pair of side surfaces; at least one display screen positioned on the front surface or the rear surface and displaying a plurality of images, videos, and texts related to a deceased user; at least one speaker positioned on the at least one display screen for playing music; at least one solar panel which powers and is in electrical communication with an internal battery; at least one LED to illuminate the body, wherein the internal battery provides power to the at least one LED, the at least one display screen, a processor, and a transmitter, and further wherein the processor is in electrical communication with the transmitter, the at least one display screen, the at least one LED, the at least one speaker, and the at least one solar panel; at least one motion sensor positioned on the body which activates the at least one LED, the at least one display screen, and the at least one speaker, wherein when the at least one motion sensor is activated, the display screen begins displaying, the at least one speaker begin playing music, and the at least one LED illuminates; a mobile application that can be used on a smart device and which is in electrical communication with the transmitter, wherein the at least one display screen, the at least one speaker, and the at least one LED can be configured using the mobile application; and at least one flower vase that is fixedly or removably attached to the body.
 16. The headstone device of claim 15, wherein the mobile application is in electrical communication with the transmitter via a Wi-Fi, a cellular, a Bluetooth, or an RFID connection.
 17. The headstone device of claim 15, wherein the mobile application allows a user to view a virtual representation of the device.
 18. The headstone device of claim 17, wherein the mobile application allows a user to upload or download a plurality of files in the form of a text, a photo, a video, or a song that can be displayed and played via the at least one display and/or played via the at least one speaker.
 19. The headstone device of claim 18, wherein the mobile application allows a user to program the at least one LED such that the at least one LED illuminates during certain time periods or hours of the day.
 20. The headstone device of claim 19, wherein the mobile application allows a user to program the at least one solar panel of the device such that the at least one solar panel is only active during certain time periods or hours of the day. 